Human rights lobby raises concerns over participation of top govt officials in campaigns

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Water CS Eugene Wamalwa, DP William Ruto, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Budalang'i. PHOTO: COURTESY.

Nairobi, KENYA: Kenya National and Human Rights Commission and other pressure groups have raised concerns over the participation of top government officials in political activities.

In a media briefing in Nairobi led by KNHCR chairperson Kagwiria Mbogholi on Tuesday, the commission pointed that it is incorrect for government officials to participate in political campaigns indicating that it goes against the Elections offences Act.

Mbogholi faulted the use of public resources in the campaign trail while politicians use all manner of inducements to woo voters to back them in the upcoming August polls.

“The elections and offences Act outlaws the use of public resources for campaigns to include vehicles and varied public and physical resources.It further prohibits public officers from participating in campaigns and also criminalizes launching of projects during campaign period.”Mbogholi said

The pressure groups raised concerns over the increase of violence which has adversely affected civilians and candidates especially the women, youth and persons with disability.

They asked the security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering after the groups’s findings divulged information on the upcoming of insecurity hot spots especially Kitui and Busia counties.

Consequently ,Mbogholi urged the IEBC to submit names of members who would qualify for nominations in the National Assembly ,Senate and county assemblies to represent special groups.

“We expect IEBC will immediately publish all lists received from political parties to facilitate dispute resolution within ten days as provided by the law.”She said.

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